PNC Foundation announced on Tuesday, April 9 that it would provide a $150,000 grant to support the development of PlayPort at Waterfront Park.
PlayPort is the first free outdoor play destination at Waterfront Park, one that will eventually be used for STEM-based learning, according to the foundation in a press release.
The three-acre educational play area, featuring large-scale construction equipment, will also include river-themed artifacts all provided by Waterfront Park and Kentucky Science Center in hopes of bolstering learning in the community’s youth.
“As a longtime champion for high-quality early childhood education through PNC Grow Up Great, PNC has been working to strengthen the early education landscape since 2004, and we share with Waterfront Park and Kentucky Science Center a commitment to inspire a love of learning among Louisville’s youngest citizens,” said PNC Regional President for Louisville Kristen Byrd in a press release. “We recognize the value proposition that outdoor play represents for pre-K children and their development, and all of us at PNC look forward to helping welcome children and families to PlayPort.”
The grant from the PNC Foundation will specifically be used to support Kentucky Science Center’s development for outdoor education for PlayPort visitors. According to PNC, the curriculum will stem from interactive signs like graphics, educational content and prompts for hands-on exploration.
PlayPort, part of the $50 million expansion project, is expected to be completed in late 2024.
